Phil Neville announces retirement

Jun 09, 2013 8:39 AM EST

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Former Manchester United and Everton utility man Phil Neville has announced his retirement from professional football.

The 36-year-old had already signalled his intent to leave Goodison Park following the conclusion of the 2012-13 Premier League campaign, but had refused to specify his next move.
However, Neville has now confirmed that he will not resume his playing career after coaching England's youngsters at the Under-21 European Championships in Israel.

"I was speaking to Robbie Fowler about this the other week and he hasn't officially retired," he said. "Three weeks ago, everyone in the world seemed to be retiring. I thought 'I'm not jumping on this bandwagon'.

"I just wanted it to be a smooth, quiet turnover. I didn't want that. When I made a statement that I was leaving Everton, everywhere I went I seemed to be getting 'oh you've been brilliant'. I didn't like it. I didn't want to be seen as an attention-seeker.

"In my heart, I knew that I wouldn't be playing again - at any level. I just wanted to drift away. The biggest thing I will miss is July 4 when Everton are due back for pre-season training. I loved that day. I lived for it, getting back with the lads.

"My wife, she knows what I'm like. She's saying 'for God's sake, don't have any more time off!'"
Neville, who won a host of trophies at Old Trafford before moving to Merseyside and taking the role of captain under David Moyes, also revealed that he has yet to decide what to do next.
"I do enjoy the media side but I want to work, I want to coach, I want to get more hours on the grass," he said.
"I have got two paths - one to go into the media, the other to go into coaching and management. I have got offers from both. I will sit down at the end of the tournament."
Neville won six Premier League titles with United, and was capped by England on 59 occasions.